Reunited Oakland band Drunk Horse performs at Thee Stork Club
Drunk Horse, a prominent Bay Area hard rock band from the late 1990s and 2000s, will be performing at Thee Stork Club in Oakland on Friday night alongside other musical acts. The band, formed in 1998 by Eli Eckert, Chris Johnson, John Niles, and Cyrus Comisky, stood out in the heavy rock scene by steering clear of the typical stoner-rock sound popular at the time. Instead of replicating ’70s metal sounds, Drunk Horse crafted their own unique style that blended Southern boogie elements with influences from ZZ Top, the Allman Brothers, and other blues-rock bands.
Their debut album released in 1998 under the label Man’s Ruin Records showcased their Southern-fried boogie sound with nods to vintage rock acts like Cactus and Foghat. As they moved on to their second album in 2001, Drunk Horse incorporated experimental blues and guitar heroics inspired by Captain Beefheart and John McLaughlin, respectively. Transitioning to Tee Pee Records for their third album in 2003, the band continued to evolve their sound and gain recognition in the music scene.
Despite lineup changes over the years, Drunk Horse remained active touring the U.S. and Europe, including appearances at South By Southwest. Their 2005 album “In Tongues” marked a high point in their career with its well-received tracks showcasing impressive guitar work and vocal performances. However, as time passed, the band’s activity slowed down, with members engaging in other musical projects.
Following their hiatus, band members pursued new endeavors, with Comisky joining Oakland metal band Saviours and Eckert and Robinow collaborating with Howlin Rain. These new projects allowed the musicians to explore different musical styles and continue to make an impact in the music scene. Despite these individual pursuits, the band members eventually reunited to work on new music, including the ambitious album “The Russian Wilds” released in 2012.
The upcoming performance at Thee Stork Club promises to be a nostalgic journey through Drunk Horse’s musical history, showcasing the band’s unique blend of heavy rock, blues, and boogie influences. With a lineup of talented musicians, the band continues to captivate audiences with their electrifying performances and distinctive sound. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the reunion of Oakland’s hard rock icons as they take the stage once again to deliver an unforgettable night of music and memories.